The AFL had given Melbourne permission to switch their game back to the vacant MCG, but Carlton would not do a deal to allow the change. The Demons had already lost $30,000 on a 9,421 crowd in their round 4 match against West Coast and were desperate not to go through another financial trauma.

The game went ahead at Optus Oval and the Dees delivered a crucial win in the second half of the split round despite having dropped Stephen Powell as a reaction to the side's poor form over the past fortnight.

Melbourne trailed at quarter time, but in front of a small crowd they were better across the next three quarters and got the points. Five goals to two in the second term put them on the path to victory, and the dominance of Jeff White at the stoppages helped his side carve up the Crow midfield.

Daniher said "What I was happy with was the spirit and passion we brought to the contest. I thought we got a very even contribution across the board. We didn't rely on anyone particularly."